Students from regional middle and high schools lined the halls with gizmos and gadgets awaiting their turn to compete in an array of science- and mathematics-related events.

Teachers, parents and family members in team colors were scattered about tending to coolers, snacks and a wealth of written materials. And it's at this event where science - that subject some learn to either love or dread as a kid - is the epitome of cool.

For 19 years, UAH has held one of the four regional competitions in the state for the national Science Olympiad, where teams of students representing their schools compete in 23 events that touch on topics that include anatomy, physics, mechanical engineering, Earth science, chemistry and more.

"The whole purpose of the event is to increase their interest in science while learning life-long skills, such as working in teams, organization skills, how to use data, how to build an actual device and use it," event organizer Vanessa Colebaugh said. "It gives students an opportunity to come and learn about science in a fun way and be awarded for their accomplishments."

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for each event, and trophies are given for overall teams, she said.

From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., students embarked on a day full of competitions that involved everything from using hand-built trebuchets - catapult-like devices - to creating a toned-down version of a helicopter with rotor blades and rubber bands. There also were events that delved into subjects like thermodynamics, forensics, protein modeling and water quality.

"I love it," Theresa Chivers said exuberantly. She is a chemistry teacher at Huntsville's Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. "The kids finally get excited about science and are exposed to so many branches of it, and everyone can find something they love and really learn about it.

"This is how they learn," she said. "This is the hands-on stuff."

Sarah Swalley, 17, who has competed in the event since she was in the seventh grade, said if it wasn't for the Science Olympiad, she wouldn't have discovered her interest in science.

"You get to meet new people and show off how smart you are in the love of science," said the junior at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. She competed in events such as disease detectives and protein modeling. "With sports, there are lots of opportunities to show your stuff, but with science there is this, and this is where you get to show off."

Fellow classmate Megan Wiegmann, 17, says the Science Olympiad gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned outside the classroom.

"I just did water quality and talked about the different tests with water," she said. "That kind of stuff you see all around, and it's a necessity. I guess some people consider it nerdy and geeky, but it's about learning and having fun while doing it.

"You make friends doing it, and you learn to look beyond that and realize science is important."